"We don't know who they are at this point," [Police department spokesman] Graves said, according to CBS News, adding: "They are not cooperating." (emphasis Citizen's)
This is one of my pet peeves. And, a sure sign of propaganda. "They are not cooperating."
How many times have you heard a police spokesperson or press release say so-and-so is not cooperating with the investigation?
The proof is in the alternative. The government could say, "Mr. So-and-so is understandably exercising his right against self-incrimination. A fact that listeners should understand does not in any way reflect badly against him."
This sort of thing bugs me no end. I have personally witnessed police using their perceived position as professionals and experts to give a citizens group the idea that their self-serving policies and procedures are proper because, well, they are the experts. Yet, it is too obvious that, having a certain degree of public confidence, they fail to use their position of leadership to promote rights.
It would be a bullet-proof position. A cop spokesperson could tell the press, "No. We will not be party to violating a suspect's rights. End of discussion. Rights were too expensive to obtain. They were paid for in blood. We will not spit on the graves of the brave men and women who sacrificed to obtain and maintain them. Mr. Jones remained silent during our questioning and asked for his lawyer. That is his right and yours. Next question." Nobody, but nobody could argue credibly with that position if taken by a cop.
Too often, we see police spokesmen at the other end of the spectrum saying, "Mr. Jones is not cooperating with our investigation."